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Things to Do in Kelowna & Okanagan Valley

Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Kelowna & Okanagan Valley

Royal Palace of El Pardo

Once a seasonal home and hunting lodge for the royal family of Spain, this ornate palace dates back to the 15th century when its construction was ordered by King Enrique III of Castile. Its location was initially selected due to the amount of wildlife suitable for hunting in the nearby woods. It was expanded and transformed in the 16th century by architect Luis de Vega, lost in part to a fire shortly thereafter and then repeatedly renovated again in the 18th century by Carlos III. The structure doubled in size during its most recent renovation in the 20th century.

The interior is decorated with chandelier lighting as well as frescoes, tapestries, and paintings by Spanish artists. There is also original 18th century furniture still being used. General Francisco Franco famously lived here after the Spanish Civil War. Today it functions a residence for visiting heads of state. Elegant manicured gardens and small fountains line the entrance to the palace.

Practical Info

The palace is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm (8 pm from April to September.) It can be found in the district of Fuencarral-El Pardo, just outside of Madrid. Bus 601 leaves from central Madrid for the palace, and it takes about 20 minutes to get there. Admission is 9 €, and must be with a guided tour.

Calle de Manuel Alonso, s/n, 28048, Madrid, Spain

Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm (8 pm from April to September.)

9 €

From $ 41

Ruin of Caparra

When the explorer Ponce de Leon arrived in Puerto Rico he and his men built the first Spanish settlement on the island. The ruins of this once impressive fortress are today among the most popular New World historic sites. Caparra was discovered back in 1917 when the construction of Route 2 unearthed this historic stone structure.

Today, travelers can explore the well-maintained grounds, which are marked with placards noting the historical significance of various sites, and unearth a bit of the past at the tiny museum on site. The one-room collection includes documents and artifacts that detail the colonization of Puerto Rico. Most travelers agree this place will never top the list of “must see” destinations in PR, it’s still worth a quick stop for the sake of history.

Practical Info

The ruins are located in Guaynabo along Route 2, just south of San Juan.

Caparra Archeological Site, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico

From $ 70

Rub en Darío Museum

The Rubén Darío Museum (Museo Rubén Darío) is dedicated to the famous poet, writer, and ambassador who brought modernismo to Spanish literature. A must for poetry fans, this León museum is also a good choice for those curious about Nicaraguan history—the museum offers an intimate look at 19th-century upper-class life in Nicaragua.

The Basics

Walk through the house—Darío’s childhood home—and see the poet’s manuscripts and everyday trappings such as his bible, photos, work suits, and bed. The well-preserved rooms and courtyard also offer a glimpse into what life was like for Nicaragua’s well-to-do in the late 19th century. Signs with information about the exhibits are in Spanish.

Unless you go to the Rubén Darío Museum as part of a guided tour, visits are self-guided. If you’re based in Managua or Granada, you can visit León on a day trip.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Rubén Darío Museum is ideal for poetry and history buffs.
Plan to spend roughly an hour at the museum.
Though entrance is free, donations are strongly recommended.
Visit with a guide to make the most of the tour, especially if you have limited Spanish.

How to Get There

The Rubén Darío Museum is centrally located in León, on the corner of Calle de Rubén Darío and Avenue 4. You might pass by it walking through León’s historic center, or you can hire a cab if coming from another part of town.

When to Get There

The museum is open from 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday, and from 8am to 12pm on Sunday. Try visiting in the middle of the day for a reprieve from León’s infamous heat.

León Sightseeing Tours

León city tours often include the Rubén Darío Museum in addition to other top sights around Nicaragua’s colonial city like the San Francisco Church (Iglesia de San Francisco), León Cathedral (Catedral de León or Basílica de la Asunción)—the largest cathedral in Central America, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the burial place of Rubén Darío—and other specialty museums.

Calles Central Rubén Darío and Avenue 4, Leon, Nicaragua

From $ 129

Royal Selangor Visitor Centre

Royal Selangor is one of the world’s largest pewter manufacturers, founded in 1885 at the start of Malaysia’s Tin Rush by a young Chinese immigrant named Yong Koon. The Royal Selangor Visitor Centre offers insight into Malaysia’s cultural heritage with a museum, store, factory tours, and hands-on pewter workshops.

The Basics

Tours of the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre are free. Make advance reservations for one of the two paid workshops—the 30-minute School of Hard Knocks or the hour-long Foundry—and take home your own pewter piece. Most Kuala Lumpur city tours stop at the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre, and a handful include participation in one of the company’s workshops.

Things to Know Before You Go

Quirky as it may sound, the visitor center is a must for anyone with an interest in crafts, and the workshops are great for older kids.
Royal Selangor has kept up with the times, selling products that run the gamut from traditional Malay/Indonesian keris (daggers) to flash drives.
The on-site museum, which explains the role of tin in Malaysia’s history, is worth a visit for history buffs.

How to Get There

Royal Selangor runs a free shuttle bus from more than 30 downtown Kuala Lumpur hotels to its suburban location; book through your hotel concierge. Alternatively, the visitor center is about a 20-minute taxi ride from the center of town or a 5-minute taxi ride from Wangsa Maju LRT stop on the Kelana Jaya line.

When to Get There

The Royal Selangor Visitor Centre and pewter factory is open daily year-round. Weekends are the busiest times, so it’s best to go midweek, particularly if you hope to do a workshop. Just after opening is the quietest time of day.

What Is Pewter, and Why Malaysia?

Pewter is a silver-colored metal alloy made mainly from tin; Royal Selangor’s pewter contains around 96% tin. During the Tin Rush period (roughly 1880–1930), the region now known as Malaysia was the world’s number one tin producer. Malay artisans who had worked with gold, silver, and brass began to employ traditional metalworking techniques with pewter, creating a new tradition.

4, Jalan Ushawan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

From $ 10

Rum Point

A stretch of white sand bordered by aqua Caribbean waters, Rum Point is a welcome departure from Grand Cayman’s busy Seven Mile Beach. The area is known for its laid-back vibe, with calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming and wading with small children.

The Basics

An ideal spot for snorkeling, Rum Point is also home to one of the world’s most famous bioluminescent bays at Sand Point Cove. Watersports such as sailing, diving, and water skiing are popular activities, and tours of Grand Cayman’s North Side or East End often stop at Rum Point for some beach time or water sports. Nighttime excursions to the bioluminescent bay are available on certain nights of the month, when conditions for glowing microorganisms that cause the phenomenon are just right.

Things to Know Before You Go

Rum Point is a good option for families with kids.
Changing rooms, showers, lockers, and hammocks are available to visitors.
Bars and restaurants on the beach around Rum Point offer a variety of food and drink options.

How to Get There

Rum Point is located on Grand Cayman’s north coast, about 45 minutes by road from George Town and the cruise port. Transportation is available via taxi, and guided tours typically include hotel pickup and drop-off.

When to Get There

Rum Point is a popular day trip destination for families and can be crowded during school vacations and national holidays. The beach is always open, although hours for water sport vendors and restaurants vary. The best time to visit the Cayman Islands is between March and June; the rainy season lasts from May to October.

The Bioluminescent Bay at Sand Point Cove

There are only a few bioluminescent bays around the world, and Sand Point is one of them. This phenomenon is caused by tiny plankton called dinoflagellates, which glow neon when disturbed by boats, swimmers, or kayak paddles. Conditions for the glowing microorganisms are right only a few times per month, so it’s best to book tours ahead of time.

Rum Point, North Side KY 1, Cayman Islands

Free

From $ 55

Ruins of León Viejo

Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage–listed ruins of León Viejo makes it easy to imagine life for the first Spanish settlers in Nicaragua. Located on the slopes of Momotombo volcano and preserved by volcanic ash, the ruins are some of the most complete Spanish colonial ruins in Central America—even though they’re also some of the oldest, dating back to 1524.

The Basics

Exploring the León Viejo ruins makes a great day trip from León, as well as from Granada or Managua. Wander the old city’s 3-foot-high (1-meter) remains and see the layout of 16 of the city’s original structures, including the old plaza, convent, cathedral, and fort. Many of the structures have signs in English and Spanish that explain their significance, but you can also hire a guide at the entrance for a small fee.

For the highest quality guided tours of León Viejo, book ahead with a vetted tour company. Many tours offer convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from León, so you don’t need to figure out transportation.

Things to Know Before You Go

León Viejo is a must for history and archaeology fans.
Wear good walking shoes and sun protection, and bring water plus a camera for good photos of the ruins.
Plan to spend roughly two hours walking around the site.
The ruins of León Viejo are not accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

To get to León Viejo, take a bus to La Paz Centro, a town on the highway between Managua and León. Then from La Paz, local buses regularly head to the ruins. If you’re coming by public transportation, it’s best to visit in the morning as the last bus from La Paz to León is at 2pm.

When to Get There

León Viejo is open from 8am to 5pm daily. Visit in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds.

Abandoned City to UNESCO World Heritage Site

León Viejo, surrounded by belching volcanoes, was abandoned in 1610 after a huge earthquake caused locals to reassess the town’s precarious location. Residents decided to resettle 20 miles west, in León’s current location, and León Viejo was left to crumble under the falling ash of Mount Momotombo. The gradually buried site was rediscovered nearly 350 years later and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its significance as the only 16th-century colonial city in the New World that never expanded beyond its original site plan.

Nicaragua

Varies

From $ 58

Ruins of the Church of St. Paul

One of the most recognizable, dramatic, and popular icons of the city of Macau are the Ruins of St Paul's Cathedral. Originally constructed in 1580 by Jesuit priests, the church was twice ravaged by fire in 1595 and 1601. Not to be deterred by the loss, construction resumed in 1602 and ultimately grew into what would be the largest Christian church on the entire Asian continent. As fate would have it, however, disaster met the church once again in 1835 when fire ripped through the soaring cathedral for the third and final time.

Devastated by the blaze all that remains of the Church of St Paul are the 66 stone steps which ascend a steep hill and the intricately carved five-tier façade for which the ruin is now so famous. Carved from granite which was able to withstand the fire, the façade features a panorama of carvings which fuse traditional European Renaissance and Oriental artistic styles. The façade was carved by Japanese Christians escaping religious persecution and was constructed in a classically Baroque style. Images found on the façade include traditional Jesuit scenes from the Bible to Portuguese sailing vessels with billowing sails. The stone lions which flank the third and fourth tiers are representative of the Chinese influence in the construction and design of St. Paul’s.

Behind the façade now sits St Paul’s Museum as well as remnants of the original city walls. Dating to 1569 the naturally formed barriers are formed from a blend of clay, soil, sand, glutinous rice, crushed rocks and small bits of oyster shells.

While viewing the façade from beneath the ruin is reason enough to pay a visit to St Paul’s, many visitors opt to ascend the steel staircase which runs behind the soaring structure. Already perched on a hill overlooking the city, steel staircase allows visitors to peer out the windows of the second-tier for a framed view of the city of Macau which is unlike any other. Be sure to bring a coin to toss into the second-tier window from the staircase—a classic Macanese tradition for bringing good fortune.

R. De São Paulo, Macau, China

Open daily 9am - 6pm

From $ 72

Ruben Dario National Theatre (Teatro Nacional Ruben Dario)

A humble exterior conceals an elegant, velvet-swathed concert hall at the Rubén Darío National Theatre (Teatro Nacional Rubén Darío), Nicaragua’s premier exhibition space. The hall is a true homage to Managua’s cosmopolitan roots with Spanish chandeliers, American design inspiration, and the best of Latin American and other cultural performances.

The Basics

The theater is divided into two sections: the Main Hall, which seats 1,200 and hosts large performances; and the Crystal Room, named for its two magnificent Spanish chandeliers and reserved for art gallery showings and intimate concerts. Both boast affordable admission fees and state-of-the-art performances, from children’s choirs to operas. Visit anytime for a stroll around the exterior of the theater, or make the most of your trip by aligning your visit with a performance—the only time the theater interior is open to the public. Barring that, for a comprehensive and hassle-free experience, visit the national theater as part of a Managua city tour. Most sightseeing tours include a stop here because of the theater’s history and cultural significance as one of the only buildings in Managua that survived the 1972 earthquake.

Things to Know Before You Go

For popular performances, it is recommended to buy tickets in advance.
If attending a performance, dress in appropriate theater-going attire; for example, shorts, sandals, and flip-flops are not allowed.
Arrive early, as late-comers will not be seated.
Children under 4 years old are not allowed in the theater.

How to Get There

The best way to reach the theater is in one of Managua’s many inexpensive taxis. A number of nearby bus stops also service the neighborhood, which is right by the malecón on the shores of Lake Managua.

When to Get There

The Rubén Darío National Theatre is open to the public only during performances, so be sure to check the schedule of events on their website. The theater hosts about 10 performances per month.

A Poetic Beginning

The national theater is named after the most famous Nicaraguan poet and father of Modernismo, Rubén Darío. The theater periodically hosts poetry readings in his honor.

Barrio Ruben Dario, Managua, Nicaragua

Varies

From $ 40

Royal Swedish Opera

As the opulent home of the Royal Swedish Opera and the Royal Swedish Ballet, the Royal Swedish Opera House (or Stockholm Opera House) has come a long way since its former incarnation as a tennis court. It was Swedish King Gustav III who founded the opera house in 1782, but just 10 years later the King was assassinated at a masquerade ball on-site, forcing the closure of the venue.

Fortunately, the historic Opera House was restored and reopened, with the present day building designed by architect Axel Anderberg in the late 19th century. Boasting a dramatic waterfront location opposite the Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet), the striking neoclassical façade and spectacular Golden Foyer, make this one of Stockholm’s most celebrated designs, decorated with gold Carl Larsson stuccos, Vicke Andrén ceiling paintings, gigantic crystal chandeliers and a grandiose marble staircase.

Gustav Adolfs torg 2, Stockholm 103 22, Sweden

Tours: Aug-May - Saturdays at 1pm

Adults (tour) SEK 100

From $ 35

Royal Tombs

Situated close to the Roman Theater, the Royal Tombs are carved dramatically into the cliffs above the city, and their facades reveal many Roman and ancient Greek influences. Notable tombs include the vast Urn Tomb, later used as a church, the three-story Palace Tomb, and the Silk Tomb, with its natural swirls of color.

The Basics

The Royal Tombs, which were carved from rose-red sandstone by the Nabateans more than 2,300 years ago, sit at the heart of the ancient city of Petra. As such, you’ll need a Petra admission ticket to see them; note that the two-day and three-day entrance tickets are excellent value compared to the single-day Petra ticket.

The vast majority of Petra day tours will allow visitors to glimpse the Royal Tombs from the outside and identify the signature tombs; however, only a few will ascend the many steps that can be involved in actually seeing the tombs up close. If an in-depth tour is on your bucket list, consider hiring a private guide.

Things to Know Before You Go

Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site; even if you’re not a history buff, it’s worth a visit.
Use sunscreen and wear a hat; the Royal Tombs are in full sun for much of the day.
Follow the steps between the Palace Tomb and the Sextius Florentinus Tomb for a spectacular view of the Treasury.

How to Get There

Minibuses from Amman and Aqaba stop at the station in the town of Wadi Musa, a bit over a mile (2 kilometers) from the Petra Visitor Center. If you aim to visit as a day trip, either drive or skip the hassle with an organized tour. The Royal Tombs are on the lower level of the Petra site.

When to Get There

The most popular times to visit Jordan are spring and fall: mid-March to mid-May and mid-September to mid-November. To beat the crowds, consider braving either the surprising cool of winter or the intense heat of summer. Whatever the time of year, the Royal Tombs look at their best in the warm light of sunset, so try to time your Royal Tombs tour to coincide with that.

Petra: City of the Dead?

Originally nomadic Arab traders, the Nabateans, who built Petra, began to rise to prominence during the 4th century BC, and were at the peak of their power around the time of Jesus Christ. Petra is home to more than 1,000 tombs, and the overwhelming majority of its surviving buildings are devoted to the dead.

Wadi Musa, Jordon, Jordan

Varies

From $ 212

Ruins of Empuries

Combine your beach excursion with exploration of the distant past by paying a visit to the ruins of Empuries. Founded in 575 BC by Greek colonists, it was later occupied by Romans before it was ultimately abandoned given its exposed coastal location. Today it remains as the only settlement in Iberia that displays remains from both the Greeks and the Romans.

Among its ruins, which are only partially excavated, you can tour the amphitheater, old factory, basilica, exquisite Roman floor mosaics, and the foundations of former Greek houses. There’s also on onsite museum, where you can learn more about the excavations, and check out artifacts such as ceramics, utensils, mosaics and other items. Between the history, the views, and the beach and seaside cafes just steps away, you’ll be happy you made the effort to visit this unique corner of Costa Brava.

Practical Info

Entrance to the ruins comes with an audio tour. Empuries is best reached by car, though buses travel to neighboring villages such as L’Escala, from where the ruins can be reached by an ample coastal walk. Note entrance is free the last Tuesday of the month from October through June, and that it closes on Mondays during wintertime.

Carrer de J. Puig i Cadafalch, s/n, L’Escala, Costa Brava, Spain 17130, Spain

Oct1-Nov15: Mon-Sun 10am-6pm; Nov16-Feb15: Tues-Sun 10am-5pm; Feb16-May31: Mon-Sun 10am-6pm; June1-Sept31: Mon-Sun 10am-8pm

General: €5; Reduced: €4; Children under 8: free

From $ 97

Royal Palace Museum

Also known as the National Museum, the Royal Palace Museum was the home of Lao royalty from the early 20th century until 1975. An attractive combination of classic Lao and beaux arts architecture, it houses collections including state gifts and royal cars. The sacred Pha Bang golden Buddha is preserved in Wat Ho Pha Bang.

The Basics

There is a reasonable charge to enter the Royal Palace Museum, payable in cash only. The palace stands in the heart of Luang Prabang, has decent signage, and is easy to visit on foot, so there’s no need to join a tour. However, the Royal Palace Museum is an essential stop on Luang Prabang city tours, history tours, and cultural tours, so whether you’re joining a day tour or a half-day tour, you are likely to end up here.

Things to Know Before You Go

A must-visit for history buffs, architecture fans will also appreciate the charms of the Luang Prabang Royal Palace.
Dress modestly to visit, with knees and shoulders covered.
You will need to remove your shoes to enter the wat, so wear footwear that slips on and off easily.
Most of the buildings in the Royal Palace Museum are approached by steps.

How to Get There

The Royal Palace Museum stands right in the heart of town, between Mt. Phousi and the Mekong River. As such, it’s easy to access by walking (or cycling) from most central Luang Prabang accommodations. Visitors on a tight schedule may prefer the faster pace and air-conditioned comfort of a door-to-door car or minibus tour.

When to Get There

The Royal Palace Museum is open seven days a week in the morning and the afternoon, with a break for lunch in the middle of the day. Luang Prabang’s weather is at its best during the peak of the dry season, roughly November to January, which is when the grounds are most pleasant to visit.

The Last Kings of Laos

Today a Communist state known as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos was ruled by kings from the 14th century to 1975, with Luang Prabang as their capital. It was Sisavang Vong who built the Royal Palace Museum; his son, Savang Vatthana, was removed from power in 1975 and died in a ‘reeducation’ camp.

Th Sisavangvong, Luang Prabang, Laos

Varies

From $ 39

Rozhen Monastery

As the largest and one of the oldest monasteries in Bulgaria, the Rozhen Monastery sits amongst the Pirin Mountains as a living symbol of the area’s history and spirituality. Archaeological evidence suggests the structure dates as far back as the 13th century, when it was also mentioned in Greek texts. Destroyed by armies and fires throughout the years, the monastery was most recently restored by wealthy citizens in the 18th century.

With its unique six angle shape, the monastery and residential buildings surround a beautiful courtyard and small church. Frescoes and stained glass windows dating back to the 16th century line the walls of the church’s interior. The “Nativity of the Mother of God” also has an impressive display of carved, wooden altars and iconostases. It continues to be stand as a center of Orthodox Christianity and one of the greatest preserved medieval structures of Bulgaria.

Practical Info

Rozhen Monastery is located in the Pirin Mountains of southwestern Bulgaria, about 7 kilometers from Melnik. Cameras are prohibited inside. It is open year-round.

Blagoevgrad Province, Sofia, Bulgaria

Open year-round

From $ 64

Rudolfinum

The Rudolfinum is a prestigious music and art venue located on Jan Palach Square on the bank of the Vltava River in Prague. This impressive neo-Renaissance building was built between 1876 and 1884, opening in 1885 to serve as a multi-purpose cultural center combining concert halls and exhibition rooms.

Today, the Rudolfinum is home to the Galerie Rudolfinum and hosts a varied programme of classical music concerts and art exhibitions. It is the home venue of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, which was founded in 1896. The Philharmonic Orchestra holds world-class classical performances throughout the year from the building’s largest hall, the Dvořák, which is one of the oldest concert halls in Europe and is noted for its exceptional acoustics.

As well as being able to buy tickets for various performances and exhibitions at the Rudolfinum, guided tours are available for those interested in the history and architecture of the building.

Practical Info

The Rudolfinum is located in Prague’s Old City. It can be reached by alighting at Staroměstská station on Line A of the metro, or by taking a tram (numbers 17, 18, and 53) or the number 207 bus.

Jan Palach Square, Prague 110 01, Czech Republic

Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm plus performance times

Varies

From $ 8

Rumbach Street Synagogue

Built in 1872 in intricate Moorish Revival style, Rumbach Street Synagogue was the work of Austrian architect Otto Wagner, one of the leading stars of the Viennese Secession. It is a confection of Islamic detailing, from its colored brickwork to the arch-shaped windows and minaret-style spires and was the place of worship of moderate-thinking Neolog Orthodox Jews.

Before World War II, Budapest had one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe, consisting of around 200,000 people. This community was decimated by the Nazis, who first herded the Jews into the ghetto in District VII before incarcerating hundreds in Rumbach Street Synagogue; from there they were then shipped off to their deaths at Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Poland. By the time Budapest was liberated from Germany in 1945, over half of the Jewish population had been murdered. Under communist rule after the war, Judaism – and indeed all religions – was banned in Hungary, but despite this, prayers were still held at Rumbach Street Synagogue until 1959, since when the synagogue changed hands several times before being returned to the Jewish community around 45 years later. Today its pretty exterior has been fully restored, but some renovation work is still needed in the once richly adorned, octagonal interior, which is intricately domed and patterned in traditional Moorish style.

Practical Info

Rumbach Sebestyen utca 11-13, District VII, Pest. Open Sun–Thur 10am–5.30pm, admission HUF600. Subway M1, M2 or M3 to Deák tér.

Rumbach Sebestyén utca 11-13, Budapest 1074, Hungary

Sun-Thur 10am-5:30pm

HUF600

From $ 35

Rubens House (Rubenshuis)

Peter Paul Rubens was born in Antwerp in 1577 and by the early 17th century he had become immensely rich thanks to his incredible talent as an artist. No starving in a garret for him; in 1610 he was able to build his own spectacular mansion in the heart of the city at the tender age of 33.

Now a museum, his former home and studio is entered through an ornate Baroque portico; inside a series of period rooms are decorated with marble Roman busts, black-and-white floor tiling and fine furniture in the patrician style of the day and hung with reproductions of Rubens’ light-kissed works. Highlights include a portrait of Anthony van Dyck, who was a pupil of Rubens, and a glowing self-portrait that hangs in the wood-paneled dining room, painted when he was around 40 years old. Get there early in the day or you’ll shuffle around in single file, nose to toe in a long line as you are led along corridors and up and down stairs. Outside there’s a typically Renaissance-style courtyard garden with a colonnaded pergola in which to reflect on the sumptuous lifestyle enjoyed by Antwerp’s most illustrious son.

Practical Info

Wapper 9–11. Open Tuesday through Sunday 10am–5pm. Admission adults €6; seniors and age 12–25 €4; under 12s go free (free last Wednesday of every month). Walk through the Diamond Quarter from Central Station in 10 minutes; take bus nos. 22, 25 and 26 to Groenplaats and walk; or take trams 3, 5, 9 or 15 to Meir and walk.

Wapperplein 9, Antwerp, Belgium

Tue–Sun 10am–5pm

€6

From $ 15

Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta)

The Royal Palace of Caserta, famous for its massive size and opulent style, is a triumph of late Italian Baroque architecture. The largest royal residence in the world, the palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shares a number of features with the Palace of Versailles and is one of the most-visited monuments in southern Italy.

The Basics

The 18th-century Royal Palace (Reggia di Caserta) was built by the architect Luigi Vanvitelli for the Bourbon kings of Naples. It sits majestically on a hill overlooking its 300 acres of undulating grounds, including ornate fountains and water features and the English Garden, one of the most important botanical gardens in Europe. The palace, inspired by Versailles in France and similarly opulent structures in Madrid, includes 1,200 rooms on five floors, including royal apartments, the Throne Room, the Palatine Chapel, and the Grand Staircase, all sumptuously decorated with frescoes, marble, and gold leaf. The Royal Palace and park are among the most popular attractions in the region of Campania; the best way to fully appreciate its architecture and history is by taking a private guided tour of the palace and its beautiful gardens.

Things to Know Before You Go

As one of the largest palaces in the world, visiting the Reggia di Caserta is a mammoth undertaking. You’ll be spending most of the day on your feet, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
If you don’t want to tour the grounds on foot, you can rent a bike, take the bus, or opt for a horse-drawn carriage ride.
The palace and grounds are wheelchair-accessible.
Star Wars fans may recognize the palace as the setting for scenes from Episode I and Episode II.

How to Get There

The palace is located in Caserta, just north of Naples—it’s an easy day trip from Naples, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, or Rome. (Exit the Autostrada A1 at Caserta Nord.) You can also take the train right to Caserta.

When to Get There

The Reggia di Caserta is open 8am to 7:30pm daily, except for Tuesdays. The grounds close earlier in winter. The English Garden is open for guided tours more or less hourly (10am to 4:30pm daily).

San Leucio

The grounds of the royal palace also house the historic San Leucio silk factory; today it’s the Silk Museum, with original looms and historic machinery on display.

Viale Douhet, 2/a, Caserta CE 81100, Italy

Varies

From $ 19

Rudas Baths

In a city full of bath houses, the Rudas Baths may be the most popular medieval bath in Budapest. Established as early as the 16th century at the foot of Gellert Hill, the Rudas Baths feature many elements of a traditional Turkish bath, including an octagonal pool and large dome that measures ten meters in diameter. In addition to six therapy pools and one swimming pool, the Baths offer massage services, foot care, body scrubs, a sauna and drinking cures from three different springs. The interior was completed renovated in 2006.

Practical Info

The Rudas Baths sit below Gellert Hill not far from the Elisabeth Bridge on the Buda side of Budapest. To get there, take tram 18 or 19, or bus 5, 7, 8, 86 or 112. Bathing suits are compulsory on the weekends when the Baths are open to both men and women. Extended hours are also offered on Fridays and Saturdays, from 10pm-4am. An on-site restaurant serves Turkish-Hungarian cuisine.

Döbrentei tér 9, Budapest, Hungary

Swimming pool: Daily, 6am-10pm. Wellness and sauna area: daily, 8am-10pm. Some days are limited access.

Varies based on services

From $ 25

Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale)

Naples’ Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale di Napoli) is a stellar reminder of this city’s royal history. Construction began in the 1600s when Spain’s Viceroy Fernando Ruiz de Castro ruled Naples, and the site was designed by Renaissance architect Domenico Fontana. Today, visitors can enter to take the soaring double staircase up to the royal apartments decorated by architect Gaetano Genovese.

The Basics

Palace highlights include the Court Theater (Teatrino di Corte) designed by Ferdinando Fuga, the Throne Room, the Hall of Hercules ballroom, and the Royal Chapel (Cappella Reale), home to a monumental 18th-century nativity scene.

The palace is one of the most important historical tourist destinations in central Naples, so it is important to book your Royal Palace of Naples entrance ticket in advance to avoid having to wait in a long line to enter. You can also join a Naples city walking tour or sightseeing tour by Segway or bike that includes visits to the Palazzo Reale, the nearby Teatro di San Carlo, and Castel Nuovo.

Things to Know Before You Go

The palace interiors and courtyard are open daily from 9am to 7pm, with the exception of Wednesdays and holidays.
The palace and courtyard are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible via an internal elevator.
There are free storage lockers for small personal belongings, but no luggage storage.

How to Get There

This sumptuous royal residence is located on the central Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples’ largest square. Take the ANM R2 bus to the Via San Carlo station, or the metro line 1 to Toledo, a 15-minute walk away. Naples is the capital city of Campania, so easy to reach by train and ferry for a day trip from Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, and Pompeii.

When to Get There

The Royal Palace is one of the most important monuments in Naples, and best visited in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday crowds. Entrance is free the first Sunday of the month, so the palace can also be very crowded then.

The Biblioteca Nazionale

The Royal Palace is also home to the National Library, which contains thousands of papyrus scrolls found at Herculaneum as well as the remains of a fifth-century Coptic bible.

Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples, 80132, Italy

9am - 8pm, closed Wednesdays

Varies

From $ 10

Royal Regalia Museum

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has ruled over Brunei for over two decades, and the Royal Regalia Museum tells the story of his life and reign through family pictures, portraits, explanatory texts and objects from his private collection. A visit to the museum is a must for understanding the tiny sultanate of Brunei.

A walk through the free collection takes visitors past replicas of the sultan’s thrones, crown jewels, ceremonial gowns and endless gifts from heads of state and high-ranking officials of silver, jade, ivory and gemstones — a visual representation of the immense wealth of this monarchy. A highlight is the giant gold chariot used to carry the Sultan through the city during hist 1992 silver jubilee celebration.

Practical Info

All visitors are required to remove their shoes and leave all belongings (including cameras) in lockers before entering the museum.

Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8811, Brunei

Sunday to Thursday 9am to 5pm; Friday 9am to 11:30am and 2:30pm to 5pm; Saturday 9:45am to 5pm

From $ 40